7 Ways to Skimp This Christmas Without Getting Caught

If it seems like Christmas came around a lot sooner this year, you’re definitely not alone.

Suddenly you’re run down by shopping carts at Wal-Mart, you hum “Jingle Bells” sub-consciously, and your kids (if you have any) start kissing your you-know-what like no tomorrow.  Is Christmas here already?  Are the family gatherings, parties, gift-wrapping and long lines at the post office back in full swing?  Yes, guess it is.

The main problem with the holiday season (unless you have a hefty trust fund), is figuring out how to pay for it all.  Although the economy is struggling to get better, that does not necessarily mean that commercial retail is slowing down to meet your financial needs.  Holiday sales may pop up all over the place, but regardless, nothing is ever free.   So how do you celebrate the joy of gift giving without breaking the bank?  It is possible, and your loved ones will never know what sneaky tricks you had up your sleeve.  Don’t worry, we won’t tell.

Here’s how to do it:

1.Online Coupons

Coupons used to be thrown in the trash bin when times were better.  But nowadays, people are clipping, cutting and saving.  Online coupons, however, are even more efficient and effective than the coupons found within your newspapers.

The beauty of the internet allows you to stay home and avoid the crowds that take over the shopping malls.  So saving gas, headaches and being able to get somewhat of a discount while shopping online is a wonderful way to buy your special someone what he or she wanted without spending too much money.

Oh, and if it comes with free shipping?  Yes, please.

2.Re-gifting

Sounds bad, doesn’t it?  But you have to admit it.  That scarf that’s been hanging in your closet for a year because it doesn’t match anything else you own has to go.  And it is still in mint condition.  The colors haven’t faded.  And lo and behold, the gift tags haven’t been ripped off.  One person’s trash (not that you’re calling it trash, I mean, figuratively) can possibly be another person’s treasure.  So think of it this way: you’ll never have to see that scarf again, you saved a little, and you made someone else’s Christmas just a little bit brighter.

3.Pass on the Parties

Not to be a major Scrooge, but parties (whether you are the host or not) have the ability to get a little pricey.  Obviously, as the host of the soiree, you are expected to serve food, drinks, etc.  As an attendee, you may just bring an appetizer, but the cost of gas to drive there, plus the purchase of the new outfit you bought (this is optional, but of course you’d like to look good!) is all withdrawn from your bank account.  Missing out on the latest gossip may be a bummer, but it’s not like you won’t hear about the juicy stories sooner or later.

4.Just Buy for the Kids

Let’s put it this way: Christmas should be for the children.  Adults that are fortunate enough to have a steady income should not have to worry about getting each other gifts that they probably could buy for themselves.  The gift giving can still occur, but cutting back on the amount that is spent and just focusing on the youngsters can be quite enjoyable.  The best part about solely concentrating on the kids is that they always know what they want.  And you know what that means.  That means less ugly scarves going around.

5.Start Baking

Okay Better Crocker, time to start whipping that batter.  Nothing says Christmas like fresh-baked cookies and brownies!  Food is a wonderful gift, especially if homemade.  For the creative folks, adding some colorful sprinkles and a cute little bow around the gift box will guarantee a definite smile or two.  And who really worries about having sweets around the holiday season?  Save the weight gain worry for your New Year’s resolution.

6.Show Off Your Talents

Talent can be shown in a variety of ways.  Let’s say you can sing or knit.  Recording a self-made CD of Christmas songs that you perform or giving away awesome mittens that you knitted are both creative and thoughtful.   Knitting mittens should be better appreciated than the ugly scarf.  And that is because you made it, and chose the colors yourself.  Re-gifting gifts that showcase you as a person should never happen and if it does, well, maybe you’ll be discovered.  Oh the possibilities.

7.Dollar Stores

Lame idea?  Actually, you’d be surprised with what you find.  Stockings can be filled with fun little gifts like snacks or gag gifts.  You can go crazy buying sticks of gum for the gum-popping ones in the family (just make sure they don’t develop TMJ), or purchase a lifetime supply of Q-Tips and toothpaste for your best friend.  It may seem odd, but at least you’ll know that he or she will be forced to have excellent hygiene in the upcoming year.  So have fun and get creative.  How can you go wrong when everything costs a dollar?

So there you have it.  Suggestions of how to be Santa without being Scrooge.

The holidays are a season of giving.  But times get tough and sometimes it is absolutely necessary to get creative when times get tough.  So don’t worry about recycling old presents or skipping out on that huge holiday bash.

The most important thing is to enjoy time with loved ones and never let them in on your little secret.